SHIMOGA,
MARCH 14.
The District Magistrate, Tushar Girinath, has passed orders banning the annual jatra of Goddess Renukamba at Chandragutti in Sorab taluk from March 16 to 21 to prevent "Bettale Seve," the obnoxious practice associated with the pilgrim centre since long.

He, however, clarified that the ban orders, which will be in force in a radius of 5 km from Chandragutti, will not come in the way of performing the religious rites and practices and holding the "rathotsava" during the jatra.

He said that the orders banning the jatra have been issued following the recommendation of the Channaveerappa Commission of Inquiry that went into the circumstances that marred the jatra in 1986.

There were disturbances when members of voluntary organisations tried to forcibly prevent "Bettale Seve" by the devotees.